Is it possible to make a living as a tv/movie extra?

Question

I've seen ads claiming you can make $200 a day and such but I'm wondering if anyone in the real world actually makes a living at extra work...and what's the best way to go about that? I'm trying to do my homework before I pack my bags and move to Hollywood!

Answer 1

You can make a living doing extra work. Just not a very good living. Most folks doing extra work hold down another job or two while they're waiting for calls from their agency--problem is, the other jobs have to be flexible enough to allow you to take days off to go on set/location. You can earn some decent pay as an extra, but the jobs are not lengthy, and unless you have some experience and become known, the calls are relatively few and far between.
Please note that Hollywood is not the only place to try. New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Vancouver, all have pretty busy film shoots, and agencies to register for extra work.
Please also note that open calls for extras (ie, non-union, non-agency calls)for extras are pretty rare. You will need to be registered with an agency and a member of the union to get regular work.
Look around the Net for talent agency sites, articles on extra work and the business before you pack. Know what you're getting into.

Answer 2

now the fact is a struggling actor can make it a living...just like the rest of working class stiffs...figuratively speaking of course...I'm very mobile actually...c/s yes it is very possible..but you probably have to work that much harder. For me it would be rewarding only if I loved what I was doing and not because of who I would become...thanks for the time.

Answer 3

probably not. there are alot of ppl who try to act and cant get farther than extras. and it pays by the job. so it would be hard to get a job because so many others are trying